06/25/2025
Article as shared by Worship Facility: Retrofit Security Glazing Solutions for Advanced Forced Entry & Ballistic Protection
Glass doors and windows are among the most vulnerable points of entry for any building. With attacks on houses of worship on the rise, the demand for security glazing is increasing. This article explores the physical security needs of churches and the requirements that threat mitigation products should meet for existing glazing. The focus is on a new generation of clear, retrofit security “overglaze” systems, which use heavy-gauge, architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing designed to resist forced entry and ballistic attacks.
The Need for Window and Door Glass Protection
Glass windows and storefront doors are the building’s weakest link. With incidents of smash-and-grab crimes, forced entry, vandalism, riots, and active shooters on the rise, the need for glazing protection is growing.
This is especially true for existing buildings with traditional, non-laminated glass storefronts and entryways. When these older glazing systems were installed, they were not exposed to the heightened threat levels faced today. As a result, such buildings are highly vulnerable to forced entry and ballistic attacks.
Crime Statistics
Police response times vary based on the type of incident and location. Burglary, vandalism, and other non-life-threatening crimes are typically considered lower priority by law enforcement. National data show that only about 12% of police responses to property crimes occur within 5 minutes. Approximately 20% of calls receive a response within 6 to 10 minutes. However, nearly half—about 47%—wait between 11 minutes to an hour, with another 12% taking longer than an hour. During this extended response window, property can be damaged, and valuable equipment stolen—especially in facilities without proper physical protection.
Recent Trends in Attacks on Houses of Worship
Attacks on places of worship are increasingly common. In 2023 alone, there were 436 reported incidents targeting U.S. churches—more than double the number from 2022, representing an eightfold increase since 2018. These incidents included over 315 acts of vandalism, 75 arsons or arson attempts, and 10 reported gun-related events. Nearly 20% of all attacks were violent in nature, often involving fi****ms or explosives. Continue reading... article:https://www.worshipfacility.com/2025/06/19/retrofit-security-glazing-solutions-for-advanced-forced-entry-ballistic-protection/